Just to clarify, @MetroWines a deal is not just a low priced bottle.
A deal is a bottle that is extraordinary for the price!

From Chemins de Bassac
Bottles from our featured winery are offered by an old estate, created in the 19th century,
which has been a part of the shadows and light of the long saga of winemaking in the Languedoc region.
It has achieved recognition through years of effort nourished by enthusiasm for wine 
and the conviction that this soil harbors a noble character. The estate now covers twenty hectares
and is one of the most beautiful estate in Languedoc.
Bassac is a hamlet where the roads around are an an invitation to stroll over sunny hillsides 
with olive trees, vines, oaks and cypress trees…

Les Chemins de Bassac RAIZ Blanc, $16.99
Roussanne/Viognier blend is overflowing with juicy tropical fruits - starfruit, passionfruit 
with hints of floral aromatics. A crisp bite of acidity brightens up the finish. $16.99

Organic: Certified Organic, Certified Vegan
Soil type:  Limestone-clay originating from ancient Quaternary alluvial terraces
Grapes: Grenache 16%, Syrah 30%, Mourvèdre 22%, Cabernet Sauvignon 12% and Pinot Noir 20%
Wild yeast fermentation lasting 20 - 30 days. Fermented in enameled lined cement tanks.

The signature wines of Decero are three varietal wines: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
As with each of the wines of Finca Decero, they bear the distinct hallmark of our unique Remolinos Vineyard. The tapestry of soils enabled us to plant the vines on the soil most suited to each variety, helping each wine show their classic varietal expression. Located at the highest part of the Agrelo (3500ft), Remolinos Vineyard experiences distinctly cool nights which are felt in the fresh acidity and overall elegance of the wines.
The subtle nuances of these wines reflect the year-round, attention to detail across the Finca Decero estate.
In contrast to traditionally heavier styles of wine from Argentina, Decero has carved out a distinct profile
as elegant, balanced wines which are extremely well suited to food pairing.  2017 Decero Cabernet Sauvignon has classic notes of cassis and some cherry and red fruit flavors with fresh acidity. The wine has supple integrated tannins, from 14 months in french oak barrels. An elegant style of Cabernet Sauvignon.

$17.99 @MetroWines

Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4 to 6pm

*** 828-424-7411 ***

Wine, Beer, Sparkling Water, Riedel Glasses and Fine Foods!

*** BEST SELLERS ***

From The MetroWines
"Step Outside Your Comfort Zone Department"
Savio Soares Selections 18.99 11.5ALC

2019 40% Chardonnay, 40% Gamay, 20% Mondeuse.
Gradually, over four generations, the estate has been built up in this rugged terrain.
There are three main soil types, each matched with its best corresponding varietal:
 the soils of the Montagnieu area are white marl clay, perfect for Altess (Roussette)
and Mondeuse; the silica and limestone soils of moraine hillside slopes perfect for Chardonnay;
and finally the clay and limestone mountain scree soils where Pinot Noir excels.

Teaching Moment: What's scree? Scree is a collection of broken rock fragments at the base of crags,
mountain cliffs, volcanoes or valley shoulders that has accumulated through periodic rockfall
from adjacent cliff faces. Landforms associated with these materials are often called talus deposits.

Almost In Memoriam!

A New Guinea Singing Dog, a dingo like animal with a unique howling style,
was considered extinct in the wild. But scientists reported recently, based on DNA,
that the dogs live on! The New Guinea dog is closely related to the Australian Dingo. 
https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/31/asia/singing-dog-found-in-wild-scn-trnd/index.html

Let's Celebrate with an Australian Wine!
(Seasonal Drinkers Heads UP)

Not the first time we have recommended Tyrell's Semillon. As days grow cooler,
because of the heavier palate feel (see below), this is the perfect transitional white wine. 

*** And this versatile, crowd pleaser only has 10% ALC! ***

Sourced from a small selection of Semillon blocks, the grapes were both hand
and machine picked before gentle pressing and fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
Wine then spent a few months on yeast lees to gain extra complexity and palate feel.
The Hunter Valley Semillon has a lifted nose showing citrus freshness,
the palate continues with fresh citrus and concentrated grapefruit flavors.
The palate is light to medium bodied with a perfect balance of fruit and soft acid.
Distinctive and refreshing, featuring bright, crisp lemony flavors, some saline. 

Out of Stock at Gary's. Just as well. It was $20.50
*** $18.99 @MetroWines ***

Need another reason to support Australia? After Australia requested China
give more information about COVID, a trade war erupted
between the two countries with Australian Wine becoming a bargaining chip.

Born in Vienna, Elizabeth “Lisl” Scheu Close (1912–2011) left an indelible mark
on Minnesota’s built landscape during her six decades as an architect. In 1938, with her husband,
Winston Close, she founded the state’s first architecture firm dedicated to modernism.
In addition to designing the first International Style house in Minneapolis,
the firm also created more than 250 handsome and efficiently planned modern residences.
One of the few women who were practicing architects in the mid-twentieth century,
she blazed a trail for future generations of women in the profession.
https://www.malaprops.com/search/site/Jane%20king%20Hession

Your Gift it With Austrian Wine
Well structured, built to last.  This Grüner presents the characteristics of the best Grüner Veltliners.
Lightly perfumed, bone dry and full bodied, high acidity and notes of spice and white pepper.
Hints of citrus fruit flavors of lemon, lime and grapefruit. The real thing!

2018 Grüner Veltliner

*** $13.99 ***

*** The Big DEAL of The Week ***
2018 Palmira Rosso, Venezia Giulia, from Visintini

Importer says: Palmira, Oliviero and Cinzia Visintini are wine geeks of the best kind.
You can see Slovenia from their farm, it’s the next line of low hills on the horizon, 6km away.
Their grandfather Domenico Visintini bought the estate and its ruined medieval tower in 1884.
A portion of the original 13th century cellar is full with Palmira Visintini’s personal wine stash! 

Certified Organic. Practicing Biodynamic. Beautiful ruby ​​red color in glass.
Good red fruit on nose and plate. Accessible taste with soft, pleasant tannins.

13% ALC. $12.99

In Memoriam
Emma Peel

OK. I know Diana Rigg is much more than The Avengers but, come on,
she WAS and IS Emma Peel. A pioneer!

Before there was a Wonder Woman, a Bionic Woman, a Tomb Raider, a Mulan!!
there was Emma Peel, there was Diana Rigg.
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-54106509

Celebrate the Life and Work of One of the Greats
With a bottle that is tall, lean, dark, powerful and a persuasive class act.

Chateau la Grolet 2017 Bordeaux, $25
70%Merlot, 15%Cabernet Sauvignon, 10%Cabernet Franc and 5%Malbec

The 2017 Château La Grolet is another outstanding success. It's a deep, meaty Bordeaux 
with dark cherry, blackberry, sweet rose aromatics and flavors, a juicy,
classically structured palate, and long, driven close.

Soldier ON Diana

Brett's New Find of the Week!

Winery Tasting Notes for 2019
This wine is elegant and restrained while still undeniably Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. 
It has that grassy element we love from New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, 
but it's a little less aggressive and perhaps rounder and richer in flavor than most.
All good: Certified Sustainable Farming, Minimal Intervention, Recyled Glass! 12.55 ALC.

$17.99

North Carolina Home of Nina Simone Gets Permanent Protection
The music of Nina Simone, which spanned several genres including jazz and R&B,
helped define the civil rights movement. She died in 2003 at the age of 70.

https://wlos.com/news/local/nina-simones-childhood-
home-protected-indefinitely-by-preservation-easement

Celebrate Nina with a wine that is smooth,
velvety, sultry and a contender!

*** The Big Red of The Week ***
Double Canyon Horse Heaven Hills 
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State, $22

The 2016 Double Canyon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon expresses great depth and concentration of flavors,
with a long, generous palate that opens up on the entry. Deep, dark garnet in the glass, aromas of red currant
and coffee beans are joined alongside hints of polished leather, caramel cassis and pine.
The palate has a bright entry, moderate tannins with pleasing length and complexity, and an elegant finish.
The flavor profile is characteristic of our estate vineyard, displaying notes of cherries, red fruit, and rose hips.

 JEB DUNNUCK, 94 Points
Our 90-acre parcel is planted to 1,850 vines per acre, exceeding typical Washington standards;
this high density of vines produces less fruit on each individual vine, thus increasing overall quality.
The vineyard is planted to a range of different Cabernet Sauvignon clones that have been selected
for the characteristics they have displayed from our site over the past decade of winegrowing.
The fruit is hand-harvested and we perform daily pump overs for extraction.
Once fermentation is accomplished, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.

To Nina! May her voice, piano and legacy live on forever!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5jI9I03q8E

"After the Bottle is Opened"
https://www.capitalatplay.com/after-the-bottle-is-opened/

This is (also) What a Hero Looks Like

*** KUNO ***

Celebrate the bravery, commitment and courage of KUNO with a wine from a winery
that has been through some battles and maintained their commitment to their goal of quality.
de Lorimier, Preston Ranch, Alexander Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon.

** deLorimier is The Big RED of The Week **

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53949310

deLorimier Winery, located in Alexander Valley, is part of the Wilson Artisan Wineries.
While deLorimier escaped, two of the other wineries in the group were destroyed in the California Fires. 
deLorimier Winery has been practicing sustainable farming techniques for many years.
Wilson Artisan Wineries works toward the goal toward continued  sustainability offering quality wines
along with a commitment to the environment for the benefit of future generations. Sustainable practices
are realized in many forms, but primarily through water conservation, recycling, use of organic growing practices including encouraging pest control through attracting raptors in our vineyards.
  
Deepest crimson like a rare red diamond, this wine shines with vitality.  The swirl releases faceted aromas
of black currant, light tobacco, toasted oak and hints of chocolate torte.  The firm acidity and strong tannins
fill the palate with a juiciness, while a pale violet compound soothes.  This perfect compound
of acidity and tannins blend for form this classic Alexander Valley Cabernet.  $27

New York Times Called it a FINAL on TV Listings
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/28/insider/TV-listings-ending.html

And Coupon clipping is Fading into the Past
https://www.wsj.com/articles/coupon-clipping-fades-
into-history-as-covid-19-accelerates-digital-shift-11598702400

Let's  mourn this paper passing with a wine that has been with us for centuries
and will be around for centuries more! Lasting. Dependable. Dessert. Indulgent!

This is an organic Ruby Port made in the traditional way. The house style is “meio-seco” (medium-dry)
so while this is definitely a sweet wine, its not syrupy or jammy. The Quinta has been owned
by the same family for over 100 years.The vineyards are steep and terraced. The port is estate bottled.
They usually blend 2 or 3 vintages to achieve the signature house style. Lots of plum and berry fruit
is balanced with nice structured acidity and tannins.  Pair with goat cheese or dark chocolate! $22.

The annual World Tango Championship is usually held in Buenos Aires,
but this year it took place online because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead of competing in crowded dance halls, couples submitted video footage
of them performing their intricate steps at home or in the street.

If you want IN, start practicing for The 2021 Competition!
Get in the mood. Your Dance the Night Away Wine: Catena 2015 Malbec
So many are going crazy for the new stuff, but much like Tango, Cantena is classic.
Always, balanced, structured, impressive, lush and SEXY!

 
Winemaker Says
Catena Malbec presents a deep violet color with purple reflections. This microclimate blend
of four unique vineyards offers intense aroma, soft texture and concentrated flavor.
Deep aromas of ripe red and dark fruits are joined by delicate violet and lavender notes,
with traces of vanilla and mocha. A rich, concentrated mouthfeel is highlighted by flavors of blueberries
and blackberries with a touch of leather and cinnamon. The wine has well-integrated tannins,
bright acidity and a flinty minerality that provides exceptional length to the finish. 

James Suckling Says 92 Points
Aromas of blackberry and walnut with hints of flowers. Medium body,
focused and bright with dried fruit and just a hint of mushroom in the aftertaste. Drink now.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Says 91 Points
The impressive 2015 Catena Malbec is subtle, balanced and elegant mixing fruit from many different zones.
This is a complex blend that showcases the typicity of Malbec in the province of Mendoza
with perfumed notes of violets and black cherries, and a touch of spices. The palate has great balance,
elegance and subtleness with very fine tannins. Great value for money.

WE SAY $22